Global Payroll & Tax Equalization Lead

We’re on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you’ll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.

The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.

We are seeking an experienced Global Payroll & Tax Equalization Lead to oversee and manage global payroll operations across multiple countries. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in international payroll processing, compliance, taxation, and payroll aspects of tax equalization programs. This role will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution while collaborating with internal stakeholders and external vendors to enhance payroll efficiency, support the tax equalization program, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

What Motivates You

• You find purpose in ensuring every employee is paid accurately and on time, no matter where in the world they work.
• You take pride in navigating the complexities of global payroll regulations and turning challenges into consistent, compliant solutions.
• You’re energized by solving intricate tax equalization and shadow payroll scenarios, and you see them as opportunities to make the employee experience smoother.
• You enjoy working at the intersection of payroll, HR, finance, and tax, and thrive when collaborating with cross-functional partners to get things right.
• You are motivated by precision and accountability — knowing that your expertise helps employees focus on their work without worrying about payroll or taxation.
• You stay curious about changing regulations and technology, and are always looking for ways to optimize systems, processes, and reporting for long-term success.

How You'll Support the Mission

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for employees across 13 international countries.
• Ensure compliance with country-specific payroll laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with in-country payroll providers to maintain accurate payroll records.
• Oversee payroll audits and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Cross-train Senior Payroll Specialists on international payroll processing.
• Support with payroll registrations if the organization enters a new jurisdiction.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary liaison between internal teams (HR, Finance, Accounting, Tax) and external payroll providers.
• Manage relationships with global payroll vendors, ensuring service quality and cost efficiency.
• Work closely with tax and compliance teams to address payroll-related regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Tax stakeholders to ensure alignment with the company’s tax equalization policy.

Process Optimization & Reporting

• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements to streamline payroll operations.
• Develop and maintain payroll reporting for internal stakeholders, including finance and leadership teams.
• Lead payroll system upgrades, implementations, and integrations with HRIS and accounting platforms.
• Analyze and resolve complex global mobility and payroll issues, including configuring Workday to apply hypothetical tax deductions correctly.

Employee Support & Issue Resolution

• Serve as a key point of contact for international employee payroll inquiries and issue resolution.
• Ensure timely responses to payroll-related concerns, including tax queries and benefits deductions.
• Conduct training and support sessions for HR teams on international payroll processes.
• Provide guidance and support to employees, managers, and HR teams on the payroll implications of the tax equalization policy.
• Support the tax team in the annual collection of tax settlement payments from employees.
• Support with payroll processing for international expats, including both local and shadow payroll.

The Skills and Experience You Bring

• 10+ years of payroll experience, with a focus on international payroll processing.
• Strong knowledge of global payroll regulations, tax compliance, and statutory requirements.
• Experience working with international payroll providers and outsourced vendors.
• Proficiency in payroll systems – Workday and Deel.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple payroll cycles simultaneously.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with experience in a multinational environment.
• Experience managing payroll elements of global mobility programs, including tax equalization and shadow payroll.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.
• 5+ years of Workday experience, including system setup, reporting, timekeeping, and integrations.
• Exposure to international tax equalization policies and experience working closely with global mobility and tax teams.

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match

• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave

• Nine paid holidays and two personal days

• 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent

• Robust mental health resources

• Backup care and caregiver concierge services

• Gender affirming services

• Pet insurance

• Free Post digital subscription

• Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

The salary range for this position is:

The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.